2. Be aware of the difference between a “want” and a “need.” Make a list of wants, and consider how you might work toward them through savings or perhaps a part-time job.

2. Be aware of the difference between a “want” and a “need.” Make a list of wants, and consider how you might work toward them through savings or perhaps a part-time job.

2. Be aware of the difference between a “want” and a... Photo-4765771.71121 - Times Union

Image 4 of 18

3. Write down everything you spend for a week to raise awareness of where the money actually goes. Make adjustments to wasteful spending.

3. Write down everything you spend for a week to raise awareness of where the money actually goes. Make adjustments to wasteful spending.

Photo: Andrei Nekrassov, Andrei Nekrassov - Fotolia

3. Write down everything you spend for a week to raise... Photo-5252443.71121 - Times Union

Image 5 of 18

4. Pay yourself first and contribute to savings and retirement. One easy way to do this is to set it up automatically from your paycheck. If you don’t bring it home, you can’t spend it and you likely won’t miss it. less

4. Pay yourself first and contribute to savings and retirement. One easy way to do this is to set it up automatically from your paycheck. If you don’t bring it home, you can’t spend it and you likely ... more

Photo: � Royalty-Free/Corbis

4. Pay yourself first and contribute to savings and... Photo-4801069.71121 - Times Union

Image 6 of 18

5. Create a budget and stick to it.

5. Create a budget and stick to it.

Photo: Steven Senne, STF

5. Create a budget and stick to it. Photo-5133555.71121 - Times Union

Image 7 of 18

6. Don’t go into a state of complete deprivation. Just like a crash diet, this kind of behavior is hard to maintain over time. Consider relatively inexpensive ways to reward yourself and keep those rewards to a periodic basis. less

6. Don’t go into a state of complete deprivation. Just like a crash diet, this kind of behavior is hard to maintain over time. Consider relatively inexpensive ways to reward yourself and keep those rewards ... more

Photo: Picasa, PRWeb

6. Don’t go into a state of complete deprivation. Just like... Photo-4695408.71121 - Times Union

Image 8 of 18

7. Go through your own closet. You may find treasures you have forgotten about.

7. Go through your own closet. You may find treasures you have forgotten about.

Photo: San Antonio Express-News

7. Go through your own closet. You may find treasures you... Photo-5146337.71121 - Times Union

Image 9 of 18

8. Buy classic clothes and pair them with on-trend accessories. Classics don’t go out of style.

8. Buy classic clothes and pair them with on-trend accessories. Classics don’t go out of style.

Photo: Chloe Snyder

8. Buy classic clothes and pair them with on-trend... Photo-5244819.71121 - Times Union

Image 10 of 18

9. Find a good tailor and alter good clothes rather than getting rid of them.

9. Find a good tailor and alter good clothes rather than getting rid of them.

Photo: IStockphoto.com

9. Find a good tailor and alter good clothes rather than... Photo-5033539.71121 - Times Union

Image 11 of 18

10. Go to the library instead of the bookstore.

10. Go to the library instead of the bookstore.

Photo: Rene Mansi, Getty Images

10. Go to the library instead of the bookstore. Photo-5112594.71121 - Times Union

Image 12 of 18

11. Make coffee at home instead of stopping for a $5 cup every day.

11. Make coffee at home instead of stopping for a $5 cup every day.

Photo: handout / stock agency

11. M ake coffee at home instead of stopping for a $5 cup every... Photo-4817824.71121 - Times Union

Image 13 of 18

12. Visit discount or consignment shops that may enable you to obtain fashionable items at greatly reduced rates.

12. Visit discount or consignment shops that may enable you to obtain fashionable items at greatly reduced rates.

Photo: Jennifer Rodriguez

12. V isit discount or consignment shops that may enable you to... Photo-5229556.71121 - Times Union

Image 14 of 18

13. Make dining out a treat rather than a habit (you will likely lose weight, too!)

13. Make dining out a treat rather than a habit (you will likely lose weight, too!)

13. M ake dining out a treat rather than a habit (you will... Photo-4765726.71121 - Times Union

15. Be mindful of your credit score. Get your credit report and see what your credit score is. Poor credit can make a difference in the rate you pay for loans such as mortgages, cars, and other major purchases. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola, File) less

15. Be mindful of your credit score. Get your credit report and see what your credit score is. Poor credit can make a difference in the rate you pay for loans such as mortgages, cars, and other major ... more